Short backgrounds on observances across the faiths listed on this site.
Holiday names open the Holiday Calendar with dates for that observance.
Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind from Gwalior Fort and his role in securing the release of fifty-two other imprisoned rulers. His return to Amritsar is traditionally associated with the time of Diwali, when the city and Harmandir Sahib were illuminated in celebration. Sikhs mark the day with worship, kirtan, illumination of gurdwaras, and langar, with themes of freedom, justice, and compassion.
The birthday of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, commemorates his life, teachings, and leadership of the Sikh community. He established the Khalsa in 1699 and, before his death, conferred eternal Guruship upon the Guru Granth Sahib. Gurpurab observances commonly include Akhand Path, kirtan, processions, prayer, and langar.
First Parkash of Guru Granth Sahib commemorates the 1604 installation and first public reading of the Adi Granth at Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar under Guru Arjan. The scripture was placed at the center of Sikh worship and community life. Gurdwaras may mark the day with scripture reading, kirtan, prayer, and langar. The observance honors the enduring centrality of the Guru Granth Sahib in Sikh tradition.
Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru and founder of the Sikh tradition. His teachings emphasized devotion to one God, equality, honest living, sharing with others, and service. Gurdwaras commonly mark the Gurpurab with Akhand Path, kirtan, processions known as nagar kirtan, prayer, and langar. It is one of the most widely celebrated Sikh Gurpurabs.
Guruship of Guru Granth Sahib commemorates Guru Gobind Singh's conferral of eternal Guruship upon the Guru Granth Sahib in 1708, ending the line of human Sikh Gurus. The Guru Granth Sahib has since served as the eternal Guru and central scripture of Sikh life and worship. Gurdwaras may mark the occasion with scripture reading, kirtan, prayer, and langar.
Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival established by Guru Gobind Singh and traditionally observed beginning around the day after Holi. Closely associated with Anandpur Sahib, it highlights the martial discipline, courage, and community spirit of the Khalsa. Celebrations include processions, displays of martial skills, kirtan, poetry, religious gatherings, and langar.
Maghi commemorates the Forty Liberated Ones, or Chali Mukte, who died fighting alongside Guru Gobind Singh at Muktsar. Their sacrifice holds an important place in Sikh memory, and major observances take place at Sri Muktsar Sahib. Sikhs may gather for prayer, kirtan, remembrance, and langar. Maghi falls around mid-January and is also associated with the seasonal calendar of Punjab.
The martyrdom of Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, commemorates his death in 1606 after enduring persecution and torture under Mughal authority. His martyrdom is remembered as a defining example of steadfastness and sacrifice in Sikh history. Observances commonly include kirtan, readings from the Guru Granth Sahib, prayer, and the distribution of cool sweetened drinks known as chabeel.
The martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, commemorates his execution in Delhi in 1675 after defending the right of Kashmiri Hindus to practice their faith. Sikhs remember his sacrifice as a powerful affirmation of religious freedom and the defense of conscience beyond one's own community. Observances include prayer, kirtan, readings, remembrance, and langar.
Vaisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh at Anandpur Sahib in 1699 and is one of the most significant days in Sikh tradition. Gurdwaras hold special services, processions known as nagar kirtan, and community meals called langar. Vaisakhi is also associated with the spring harvest in Punjab and is usually observed in mid-April.
This holiday reference covers major observances across the faiths listed on this site. Local and regional customs can still differ. If something important to your community is missing, or a description needs a correction, please write to us at info@mysacredtimes.com.
